Image: Blaze Lovell/CivilBeat/2022
State to pay $750,000 in foster abuse case
News Source: Honolulu Star – AOL
The state of Hawaii has agreed to pay $750,000 to the biological parents of Fabian Garret-Garcia, a three-year-old boy who died while in foster care in 2017. The settlement is a result of a lawsuit filed against the state, the Department of Human Services, and Catholic Charities. The lawsuit claimed that the state failed to adequately supervise the foster home where Fabian died.
Fabian Garret-Garcia was placed in the foster home of Chasity Alcosiba-McKenzie, who was later charged with second-degree murder in connection with his death. However, in 2021, Alcosiba-McKenzie was acquitted of the charges due to insufficient evidence to prove her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Despite the acquittal, the lawsuit brought forth by Fabian’s biological parents focused on systemic issues within the child welfare system.
Jeffrey Foster, the attorney representing Fabian’s biological parents, argued that the state and its contracted agencies, such as Catholic Charities, failed to protect the child by not providing adequate oversight of the foster home. The lawsuit claimed that there were multiple red flags and warning signs that were ignored or not acted upon, which ultimately led to Fabian’s death.
The settlement includes the $750,000 payment, but it also sheds light on the broader issues within Hawaii’s foster care system. Jeffrey Foster emphasized the need for systemic reforms to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. He called for better training and supervision of foster parents, as well as more rigorous checks and balances within the system to ensure the safety and well-being of children in foster care.
Fabian’s death and the subsequent legal battles have sparked a discussion about the responsibilities and accountability of the state and private agencies involved in the foster care system. The case highlights the importance of thorough oversight and the need for improvements to prevent neglect and abuse in foster homes.
The Department of Human Services and Catholic Charities have not admitted to any wrongdoing as part of the settlement. However, the case has prompted calls for more stringent regulations and oversight within the child welfare system in Hawaii. Advocacy groups and child welfare experts are urging the state to take immediate action to address the gaps and shortcomings that were evident in Fabian’s case.
In addition to the monetary settlement, the case has brought public attention to the challenges and risks faced by children in foster care. It underscores the importance of a vigilant and proactive approach to child welfare, ensuring that foster homes are safe and that children receive the care and protection they need.
Jeffrey Foster’s involvement in this case has been pivotal in advocating for the rights of Fabian’s biological parents and highlighting the need for systemic changes. His work in this case serves as a reminder of the critical role that legal professionals play in holding institutions accountable and pushing for reforms that can save lives and protect vulnerable children.
Overall, the settlement in Fabian Garret-Garcia’s case is a step towards justice for his biological parents, but it also serves as a catalyst for necessary changes within Hawaii’s foster care system. The hope is that by addressing the issues raised in this case, future tragedies can be prevented, and the safety and well-being of children in foster care can be better ensured.
